Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, September 6, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Reported by:
Cherry Meigh Timbol
News Content Editor
Published September 22, 2026
A senior Iranian official told Reuters Tuesday that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States takes initial steps to ease military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.
The announcement came as Iranian officials arrived in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, creating a potential opening for diplomatic discussions with Washington.
Pezeshkian Heads to New York
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has departed Tehran for New York to attend the UN General Assembly. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has also arrived in New York.
The Iranian delegation is expected to use the UN gathering to present Tehran’s position on the conflict and pursue diplomatic contacts.
Hormuz Crisis Threatens Global Energy Supplies
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important aspects of the Iran crisis.
Reuters reported that only two commercial vessels crossed the waterway on Monday, compared with approximately 125 large commercial vessels per day before the conflict. Two vessels were also struck by unidentified projectiles while traveling through the strait, although responsibility for the attacks has not been established.
Oil prices subsequently fell about 1% after reports that Iran could reopen the waterway within seven days if U.S. military pressure is eased.
Iran Warns Israel and the United States
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has separately warned that the United States and Israel must eventually withdraw from the region and indicated that Iran could change its military strategy if the conflict escalates further.
🧩 Bottom Line:
Iran’s offer to potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz adds a diplomatic dimension to an increasingly tense confrontation with the United States. With Iranian officials heading to the United Nations and military tensions remaining high, the coming days could determine whether the situation moves toward renewed negotiations or another escalation. For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical pressure point—not only for Iran and its adversaries, but also for global energy and shipping.
SOURCES: REUTERS – Iran ready to reopen Strait of Hormuz if US eases military pressure and lifts blockade
IRAN INTERNATIONAL – Iran’s president leaves for New York to attend UN General Assembly
GULF NEWS – Iran FM Araghchi arrives in New York, Trump to meet Gulf leaders
